Speaking in Finland, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended India’s Russian oil imports
June 12, 2026: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly defended India’s policy of importing Russian oil while addressing the Kultaranta Talks in Finland. Responding to criticism from European countries over India’s continued energy ties with Russia, Jaishankar argued that New Delhi’s decisions were guided by economic interests and energy security rather than geopolitical alignment. He rejected suggestions that India had become excessively dependent on Russia following the Ukraine conflict.
During the discussion, Jaishankar questioned Europe’s criticism of India and highlighted what he described as a double standard in international debates. He pointed out that several European nations have supplied weapons that were later used against India, stating that India has never posed a security threat to Europe. According to him, India’s security concerns deserve the same level of recognition and understanding in global discussions.
The minister also disclosed that the United States had encouraged India to continue purchasing Russian crude oil in 2022 after sanctions were imposed on Moscow. He said the move was intended to help stabilise global oil markets during a period of uncertainty. Reiterating India’s position, Jaishankar said the country purchases oil based on cost and availability, stressing that energy decisions are driven by national interests and market realities.